Archive for the ‘Song of the Moment’ Category

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In the late 1990’s former WHUR FM Program Director David Dickinson changed the sound of Washington radio by infusing 96.3’s airwaves with his personal taste. This Song of the Moment is a product of his genius “ear”. Come Here Baby was released by Grainger, a relatively unknown Baltimore band. The jazzy R&B tune features Baltimore singer Maysa who had made a name for herself with British jazz band Incognito. She sang lead on the hits Deep Water and A Shade of Blue. Come Here Baby became an instant DC favorite in 1998 and is still played in heavy rotation on HUR. I’m shouting out Dickinson because I truly appreciate his contribution to the renaissance of WHUR. During part of his tenure, WHUR was #1 across all radio formats in the Washington market and it was the first urban radio station to surpass talk radio in DC. While some connected the station’s historic success to its broadcasting the Tom Joyner Morning Show – it’s clear to me that it was the innovative music that carried WHUR listeners throughout the day. But all good things must come to an end and I for one have noticed a change in the station since Dickinson’s departure. I’m happy I’ve found a way to mention his contribution since this is part of the reason for DJBeTray.com. Good music will always be created, selected and played by those who know it when they hear it and not by a computer model or demographic surveys. I’m thankful to all the music lovers who have influenced me and therefore influenced this site. Please enjoy this Song of the Moment which is also featured on my latest mix, Sounds Like Washington Vol. 3

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I love this song, I even loved the album cover! And while the band The Family may have been a short lived Prince concoction; it has left me with one of my favorite musical creations. I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it. That love was cemented by the group’s sexy video that featured Jerome Benton of the Time and their cutting edge fashion statement of silk pajamas (CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO). They were hot and full of soul. But like so many of Paisley Park’s proteges, his Purple Badness’s tight grip choked the life out of The Family. At least I’m left with the memories or perhaps the fantasy of what could have been. I say fantasy since Prince actually wrote, performed and sang most of the music associated with this single. The group’s lead vocals were later added. Enjoy the extended version of 1985’s Screams of Passion. Who knows… perhaps this may the beginning of a new Prince inspired mix; although I’m afraid that could send my mind into creative overload. Love!

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Our hearts are heavy here in Washington DC. Today we lost the creator of America’s last original, noncommercial musical format. The Godfather of Go-go, Chuck Brown passed today at age 75. His music was the soundtrack of my life and knowing what it means to “Wind me up Chuck,” is what makes me a Washingtonian. Hold it down DMV and much love to the Brown family.

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It has to be one of the longest song titles ever… There’s Nothing In This World That Can Stop Me From Loving You. The song, performed by Tom Brock, captures the essence of 70’s Soul slow jams. If the orchestration of this tune feels familiar, it could be because Barry White produced this song along with the rest of Brock’s one and only album entitled I Love You More and More. The song features White’s signature strings intertwined with Brock’s unique cadence. This song was also sampled in Jay-Z’s rap hit, Girls, Girls, Girls, featured on The Blueprint. There’s Nothing In This World That Can Stop Me From Loving You is one of the slow songs you’ll hear near the end of my Soul Sessions Vol. 1 Mixtape. Love!

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When considering which one of Whitney Houston’s many hits I should feature as a Song of the Moment in her honor, I decided that instead of a hit I would select a song that many of you may not have heard before. Whitney Houston was a child of God who took every moment she could to praise him and during a concert in Washington, DC back in 1997 she did just that. Please enjoy her live rendition of I Love the Lord.